> I'm strongly considering suffering through the rain on wednesday, and > have a couple of logistical questions for you: > > 1. roughly when will they show up at, say, piedmont & sierra? The timings can be found on the Tour of California website, although I've snipped the relevant part and put it on a page on our site here- http://www.chainreaction.com/sierra_road.htm > 2. I know the road is will be closed; does that apply to bikes as well > as motor vehicular? Technically yes, in real life, not completely. But I wouldn't assume you'll be able to start up the hill much past noon. The racers are scheduled to arrive at the summit between 2-2:30pm or so. Bring something to keep yourself occupied, and some walkable shoes. Obviously, food & water too! > 3. if the closure applies to bikes as well, when does the closure take > effect? Not sure, but as I said above, I wouldn't assume you can get up there much past noon. This link indicates closures in Milpitas from noon-4pm- http://www.themilpitaspost.com/local/ci_5185870. > 4. assuming I rode up, when will I be permitted to ride down? Right > after the broom wagon? No problem starting down after the broom wagon, but it will be pretty congested for a while, so if you're at the top, don't even think about trying to catch the race finish. If you're maybe halfway up the hill when the broom wagon comes through, you'll probably have a shot at the pack making its second pass on Piedmont (at the bottom). > FWIW, I'm cautiously optimistic about the weather - the scientific > discussion at wunderground.com seems to be backing off a little bit. > > At any rate, thanks for whatever info you can provide. > > See you out there. --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

> Mike/Dan, > > thanks for the info. I rode up to the top today and it was awesome, > if a wee bit chilly. > > REgards, > Chas. A "wee bit" chilly? I thought I was well-prepared, but by the time the riders came, I was having a difficult time holding my camera steady! But it sure is great seeing a race on a climb like that. --Mike Jacoubowsky Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReaction.com Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA